FARMER/RANCHER PROGRAM
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Application (Word)
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Resources (PDF)
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My View Article
Beginning
Farmer/Rancher
The Commission, in partnership with Northwest Farm Credit Services, is offering loans for qualifying beginning farmers and ranchers that can be combined with other loans, grants and other sources of funds. The Beginning Farmer/Rancher Program is a tax-exempt bond program designed to assist beginning farmers and ranchers in the state of Washington acquire agricultural property at lower interest rates.
News
and Highlights
Media Release: Tax-Exempt Financing for 31 Acres in Chehalis
Descripción del Programa en Español (PDF)
My View from the Executive Director
Cultivate the Soil: Resources for Beginning & Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers in WA
Farm to Cafeteria Connections: Marketing Opportunities for Small Farms in WA
WSDA Small Farm and Direct Marketing Handbook
Washington State Farmers Market Manual
Current Loan Amount
Loans financed with proceeds of tax-exempt bonds issued by the Commission are currently available up to a maximum amount of $501,000 (including up to $250,000 for depreciable farm property and up to $62,500 for used equipment/personal property), which may be combined with other loans, grants and other sources of funds for larger projects.
Who is eligible?
Individuals or families who have not had any direct or indirect ownership
interest in farmland in the operation of which such individual materially
participated. Or, those who have owned and operated a farm or ranch that was
less than 30% of the county’s median farm size.
Median Farm Size Chart (Word)
A beginning farmer/rancher must be at least 18 years old, a Washington State resident, and must have sufficient education, training and experience in the type of farming operation for which the bond is requested.
Corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, etc. are ineligible.
Other Requirements
The beginning farmer and rancher(s) and/or their children must directly manage and perform the labor for the farming operation. Off-farm income is permitted. The agricultural land, agricultural improvements and depreciable farm property acquired with proceeds of the bond must be used for farming purposes during the term of the bond.
What can be financed?
Acquisition of agricultural land
Acquisition, construction and/or improvement of buildings, structures and fixtures to be used in the business of farming and/or ranching
Depreciable farm property
Machinery and equipment
Animals for breeding, work, meat production and dairy
Application Process
Contact Wendy Knopp at Northwest Farm Credit Services prior to sending application or if you have questions about loan terms and qualifications: (509) 340-5476 or email wendy.knopp@farm-credit.com
Download the Application (Word)
Please contact us if you have questions concerning initial Program eligibility:
Dan Schilling, Senior Finance Associate
Multifamily Housing & Community Facilities Division
206.287.4415 or 800.767.4663
| dan.schilling@wshfc.org
David Clifton, Assistant Director
Multifamily Housing & Community Facilities Division
206.287.4407 or 800.767.4663 |
david.clifton@wshfc.org
Please contact us if you require assistance downloading this form:
AskUsMHCF@wshfc.org or 206.464.7139 or 800.767.4663
04/16/2013